we went back and got a clip from 2008 in one of the debates with senator mccain. what was notable was president obama perhaps like he'll be this time basically playing it safe, trying to sit on a lead. watch this. >> you can have a debate back and forth about the merits of each others' campaigns. i expect we won't agree here tonight. if we're going to focus on lifting wages that have declined over the last eight years and create jobs here in america, then democrats, independents, and republicans, we're going to have to be able to work together. and what is important is making sure that we disagree without being disagreeable. >> interesting. a lot of these undecided voters watching this want to see washington work a little bit better. we could see more of that. >> i think they have more of a strategy, though, of being aggressive and that the president will try to get under governor romney's skin. >> not try and be above the fray? >> no. i think they believe that mitt romney is his own worst enemy, and i think they believe if they get him irritated that he -- that i